It is said to have been divided among man of Weem, in the northern part his seven children (with a small an- of Perthshire, and was born in 1779. nuity to his widow), five sons and two He studied at the universities of Edindaughters; and that his eldest son, burgh and St Andrews, and was tutor about 19, cannot come into the full for some years in a respectable family, enjoyment of his patrimony before he according to the system to which the is 30 years of age. Mr. Benjamin less opulent part of the Scotch students Goldsmid and his brother Abraham, are under the necessity of submitting, whose names are the most familiar to Such a situation is generally desired the commercial and monied men of with the view of provision in the any in the family, are the second and church, but this was not Mr. Mac third sons of a respectable Dutch mer- Diarmid's object, he became desirous chant, who came over from Holland of visiting the metropolis, and trying with their father while they were very his fortune in the career of literary young. From their infancy, it is competition. said, the brothers were affectionately to London in 1801, and was soon in He accordingly came attached to each other, and, at a suit- the receipt of a competent income able age, embarked in business. The from periodical writing. His principal wealth accumulated by this family, to occupations of this kind were, as editor some may appear astonishing; but it of the St. James's Chronicle, and as a may in some measure be accounted reviewer in a critical publication. On for, when it is understood that, in the the commencement of the present war, purchase and sale of bullion, stocks, his attention was forcibly struck with navy and exchequer bills, and in the the imperfections of our military negociation of foreign bills of ex- establishment, and he relinquished his change, they have annually turned periodical engagements to become the some millions of money. With re- author of a work of length, under the spect to character and example, the title of "An Enquiry into the System family of the Goldsmids have been of Military Defence in Great Britain." quoted as moral o. naments to society. It was published in 1805, in 2 vols. 8vo. With the means of princely magnifi. It exposed the defects of the volunteer cence, they are free from pride; aud system, as well as of all temporary exwith the most liberal benevolence, pedients, and asserted the superiority void of ostentatiou. The latter of these of a regular army. He was an advocate virtues has by no means been con- also for that most essential improvefined to their own people. The Ma- ment, a limited term of service. His rine Society, the Royal Humane next work was an "Inquiry into the Society, and other charitable Institu- Nature of Civil and Military Suborditions, have publicly expressed their nation," in one vol. 8vo. This was gratitude to the Goldsmids; and, in published in 1804, and is perhaps the some few instances, they have been fullest disquisition which the subject 'mentioned as the patrons of literature has received. He now determined to among their own people. The esta- suspend his philosophical labours, and blishments of the Goldsmids have to turn his attention to works of narra. been suitable to their great wealth, tive. and their families have been admitted Lives of British Statesmen," in one He accordingly wrote "The into the first circles. During Mr. vol. 4to. beginning with the life of Sir Fox's and Lord Howick's late admini- Thomas More. This work has strong stration, we believe that Lord Chan- claims on the public attention. The cellor Erskine and some of his col- style is perspicucus and unaffected; leagues in office were of a party at the authorities are quoted for every statehouse of Mr.A.Goldsmid, in Finsbury- ment of consequence, and a variety of square; and on a visit which the Royal curious information relative to the Family paid to Mr. Benjamin Gold- conduct of our public men is extracted smid, at his Villa at Roehampton, his from voluminous records, and brought. Majesty in introducing these brothers for the first time before the public to the Queen, justly denominated view. His political specimens were them his friends. Mi. Mac Diarmid.-He was the son hesitate to attack our national preju temperate and liberal. He did not of the Rev. Mr. Mac Diarmid, clergy- dices in several respects, and his mode

of doing it in the present work was woman languished several days, when sufficiently conclusive, as he not only she was relieved from her misery by Mr. Heaviside had allorded pointed out by reference the source death. of his information, but in disputed the deceased every assistance during points, generally quoted the words of her affliction. In St. Catharine's near the Tower, the author, or of the document on which he founded his decision. We the eccentric Moses Benjamin, who scarcely remember to have seen a more is said to have drank in the course of satisfactory exposition of the state of his life upwards of three thousand literature, and of the progress of civil pounds worth of English gin. He liberty, during the 16th and 17th cen- was remarkable as a mediator among turies than this work exhibits, and it wrangling people; always ready to bail affords likewise a useful specimen of any one in distress, and generally political biography in regard to the known by the name of Ilonest Benadmixture of private anecdote with jamin.

In Newcastle-street, Strand, Mr. public history. But unfortunately, he was destined to enjoy for a short time Thomas Bayley, better known as little only the approbation with which his Tommy, the Pot-Boy, in St. Mary's work was received. His health, at all parish, Strand. He was in his 54th times delicate, received in November year, and had been Torty years a pot an irreparable blow in a paralytic boy. The last twenty were spent at stroke. His friends flattered them- the Fountain public-house, in Newselves that his youth would overcome castle-street, where he died, after a this stroke, but their hopes were vain. week's illness, during which time he In February, a second attack deprived him of the use of his limbs, and he expired a few weeks afterwards.

In Clerkenwell workhouse, aged 77, William Paddock, pastry-cook.-He was well known for many years, being remarkable for singing convivial songs, at the public houses adjacent to the two houses of Parliament, and being a choice spirit, always went by the name of My Soul. He was a companion of the late Charles Bannister, and also much noticed by the celebrated, though eccentric character, George Morland. He was much addicted to drinking spirits, and the day previous to his death, drank in the course of one hour, what he facetiously called fire-balls, no less than seventeen glasses of gin.

made a will, bequeathing 4001. the savings of forty years servitude, to a sister, whom he had not seen for the last twenty years of his life; who, on being informed of the bequest, said, "she did not want it, but he ought to have had more mouey," . He was a most faithful and trusty servant.

At the Prince of Wetes's Coffeehouse, Sir Narboro' D'Aeth, Bart. of Knowlton, in Kent, and Colonel of the East Kent Regiment of Militia.

in

At Hammersmith, in his 85th year, John Rice, Esq. a character mise abie and penurious. Mr. Rice was born in Westminster, and having received a musical education, resolved to try his fortune in America. He saned for New York, where he settled, and got an appointment as an organist. In Evesham Buildings, Somers this situation, denying himself the Town, Mrs. Willis.-While sitting at common necessaries of life, he acenbreakfast with an infant, the child mulated a considerable sum of money, this babit threw a part of the breakfast things off and returned to England. the table, and Mrs. Willis, in hastily was that of the most indigent beggar, stooping to save them from breaking, and so deplorably miserable were his set fire to her head dress. Her cloath- garb and appearance, that he was ing was instantly in a blaze, and she turned out of two ledgings he took. ran down stairs into Mr. Walter's shop At length he obtained a room at a this situation, and in the midst of glazier's shop near Marsham-street, her alarm she retired back to her where he was taken ill. fie requested room; she was followed by the landlord, who wrapped her in some baize, and extinguished the fire, but not until even her chemise was burnt. In this deplorable situation the unfortunate

he might be decently cloathed, and conveyed to Mr. Boyce, at Hammersmith, whose father he said was his most intimate acquaintance. He was accordingly taken to the house of Mr.,

Boyce, where he survived only a few days. After his death his will was opened, by which it appeared that he had bequeathed 20,000l. to Mr. Boyce, and 10,000l. to the Bishop of New York; to Mr. Bovce's servant he left 250%. for the kindness she had shewn him, in affording him some temporary relief, when he called on her master, soon after his return to England. His visits, however, were not encouraged by Mr. Boyce, his appearance indicating the most abject distress and misery. When at his lodgings he slept on a heap of rags, in which were secreted a quantity of foreign gold and silver coins, to the amount of 2901. The inhabitants of the neighbourhood in which he lived frequently gave him alms, which he accepted with the greatest eagerness. He is said to have died worth 40,000%. !

his chamber, and the deceased ordered the housekeeper to send him some soda water, which be drank. He then requested that he might not be disturbed, and ordered the servant not to come to his apartment till he rung the bell. About two o'clock, a Gentleman called at the house, who the servants understood to be Genera! Russell. He delivered a letter which was carried up to Mr. Paull, and the servant came down without any answer. Between four and five o'clock General R. called again, and was introduced to Mr. Paull in his chamber. He remained a short time with the deceased, and went down alone, and let himself out (The conversation between Gen. R. and MË Paull was not known, as Gen. R. was not present at the Inquest). Between five and six o'clock the housekeeper went up stairs with intention to make her master's fire, when she distinctly heard the deceased groan. In at tempting to open his room door she found it locked within; she had never known her master to lock his door be fore; she then ran down and alarmed the butler, and they went into the room adjoining the chamber of the deceased, In this room a door opened into the deceased's chamber, which they found unlocked. On going in, the deceased appeared lying on the bed undressed with his arm and head leaning on a wash-hand stand at the right foot of the bed, his throat was cut in a dread ful manner, and the floor was covered by a profusion of blood; a razor was found, which appeared to have fallen from his left hand, with which it was On Saturday evening an inquisition evident he had inflicted the wound in was held before G. Hodgson, Esq. Co- his throat, beginning under the right roner of the county of Middlesex, on car. The deceased was not quite dead, a view of the body of the deceased, but speechless and insensible. The who, it appeared, had terminated his butler lifted the deceased, laid him at existence the preceding day by cutting length on the bed, and immediately his thoat. The Jury assembled at went for Surgeon Brodie, of Sackville the residence of the deceased, and street. When Mr. Brodie arrived the having seen the body, which remained deceased was dead. On examination in a bed chamber on the second floor, of the body he found the wind pipe they proceeded to examine the do- nearly severed, and three wounds inmestics relative to the melancholy flicted on his right arm with a sur catastrophe. It appeared from the geon's lancet, which was found beevidence of the butler and house- tween the bedding and the wastı-hand keeper, that Mr. Paull went out on stand. The wounds on his arm, in Thursday night, and returned home the opinion of Mr. Brodie, would not (generally supposed from the Union) have occasioned his death. Mr. Brodie about five o'clock on Friday morning. further mentioned, that he had atHis butler and valet attended him to tended Mr. Paull during his long ill

James Paull, Esq.-This gentleman 30 well known through his connection with Sir Francis Burdett, and his independent conduct in Parliament which led to that event, put an end to his existence on Friday the 15th, between six and seven in the evening at his own house, No.2, Charles-street, St. James's-square, by cutting his throat, and otherwise lacerating himself. This rash act is understood to have been committed in consequence of a temporary insanity, occasioned by various disappointments both of a public and private nature. It is said that he had sustained considerable losses at play, which, with habits of liberality approaching to profusion, greatly embarrassed him.

ness, and that he had observed an of an encreasing multitude, who alteration in his intellects, to which crowded together on the surrounding he attributed the act he had com- heights. She is a galliot (name unmitted. known, her crew having deserted)

46

Mr. Sloper, Mr. Paull's Solicitor, with only part of her cargo, consisting stated, that he had lately observed a principally of oil and fish. great alteration in the conduct and Behaviour of the deceased. Mr. Paull had frequently called at his Office to consult with him on his affairs, and notwithstanding he (Mr. Sloper) ad vised him on every occasion for the best, Mr. Paull obstinately refused to accede to his advice, and maintained opinions injurious to his own interest. Verdict-Lunacy.

GALLANT ACTION.

Scarcely had the galliot hove in sight from under the rocks, when a large brig was observed coming out of Hitteroe. le bore down on us with confidenc, indicating a vessel of force, and apparently with the design of rescuing the prize. About six, he got upon our weather beam, and judg ing him to be within the reach of our guns, I sent a challenge, by firing a shot over him. He hauled his wind close, and kept in shore. Finding he CHILDERS SLOOP OF WAR.-The purpose of bringing him to action, would not join us, I made sail for the following is Capt. Dillon's statement which soon commenced at half gunto the Admiralty, who have signified shot range, distant from the shore half their high approbation of his conduct, a mile, pa sing each other on different as well as that of all his officers and tacks. When he received our first crew, by official letter, and conferred broadside, he caught fire forward, and on him the rank of Post Captain: had we been closer at the moment, to Leith, 18th March 1808. profit by his confusion, I have no doubt "Sir, I have the honour to ac- of the result. He kept so near the quaint you, that on the 14th inst. at land, that he was held from our view, four P. M. when standing in for the so that we could only be guided in our coast of Norway, a sail was discovered fire by the flash of his guns, and were in-shore, and, on seeing us, appeared also, from this circumstance, preventto be seeking a port in safety. We ed weathering him. We continued instantly gave chase, with a fresh engaging him in this manner for three breeze from the eastward. As we hours, but found he had a decided neared her, she was hauled amongst advantage over us. The Dane was a the rocks, out of our sight, to take man of war, well appointed in every shelter in the small port of Midbe. respect, carrying long 18-pounders, Immediately a number of boats came and seemingly had taken fresh courage out to her assistance, I suppose with after a few of our broadsides, as if the intention of removing her cargo. aware of our inferiority to him in I dispatched Mr. Wilson, acting mas- weight of metal, the Childers bearing ter, accompanied by Mr.Knight, mate, only twelve-pounder carronades: latwith the cutter well armed, to bring terly, his guns, were so well directed, her out; the jolly boat was also sent that every shot did us mischief, parwith Mr. M'Nicholl, gunner, and Mr. ticularly between wind and water. Le Neve, purser, who volunteered his Observing, that nothing could be done services. This duty was performed whilst he kept so near his own port, by Mr. Wilson, with the utmost gal- from whence he might at pleasure lantry; for when mixing with the draw fresh supplies of men, I conboats, they were dispersed in all di- ceived the plan of enticing him out to rections, leaving him at liberty to sea, where the contest would be more board the vessel, in doing which he equal, by giving us an opportunity of was opposed by the inhabitants with forcing him to close action, which he musquetry, whilst others hurled down had hitherto so repeatedly avoided. stones upon our men from the top of In order to effect this, I stood out under the precipice, under which she lay easy sail. It was some time before he secured: however, she was carried relished the idea of following us; but without any loss, to the astonishment in the end he did so. At 11, he was.

about three miles off the land. I set it proper to return to this anchorage the courses and tacks, intending to with my prize. I am, &c. weather him. As we approached, the

W. H. DILLON.

wird unfortunately headed us, and Rear-Admiral Vashon, &c. foiled our attempt. I therefore passed P.S.-We could not possiby ascer under his lee, as close as it could be tain the number of guns on board the dong, without touching, and poured Dane, but having measured his length, round and grape upon his decks, which in which he had considerably the adI imagine did the Daue much damage, vantage of us, we are all of opinion, for we distinctly heard the groans of that he had, at least, nine ports en a the wounded; his guns also did us side; the shot on board us weigh 20 material injury, most of his shot taking pounds. us between wind and water; and when on the point of renewing the battle, it THE WINDSOR CASTLE PACKET. proved impossible. In the mean time, The subscribers to the Fund for the enemy tacked, and made sail to rewarding Captain Rogers and the regain the shore, and we shortly after Crew of the Windsor Castle Packet, lost sight of him. I was mortified that for their gallant defence against a very our situation would not admit of our supe ior force, (See p. 171,) which pursuing the enemy. We had five they afterwards captured, have met at feet water in the hold, the magazine Lloyd's Coffee-house to apportion the afloat, the lower masts wounded, bow- money collected for that purpose, sprit and main mast badly, and the when the same was divided in the pumps increasing on us in such a way, shares mentioned in the proceedings as to make it doubtful whether we of that meeting. Mr Bird, of Birshould be able to prevent our vessel mingham, and Mr. Dixon, of Hatton-' sinking under us. In this position, Garden, attended to present Captain we bore up to secure our prize, with Rogers with a very elegant and superb the only satisfaction left of having Sword, from a few Gentlemen of that drove a man of war, of much superior town, who felt and knew how to ap force, off the field of action, which we preciate his merit. The Captain rekept during the space of six hours, in ceived it and his proportion of the the very en rance of his own harbour. subscription with becoming modesty, "I therefere trust, that when the and expressed his gratitude for the above particulars are seen in their kindness shewn to him and to his crew, proper light, it will be found that, who he was convinced would, whenalthough not successful in capturing ever an opportunity occurred, shew the enemy, the Childers has supported their sense of the obligations conferred the glory of the navy, and the honour on them, by a steady and persevering of the British fag. I am happy to conduct in defence of their King and have this opportunity of testifying the Country.-It also appeared, the Paspirited conduct of my First Lieute- triotic Fund had voted Capt. Rogers nant, Mr. Edmonds, as well as the a handsome piece of Plate, value 100 other officers and crew, who on this guineas, and that the Merchants of occasion behaved with that deter- Liverpool had presented him with a mined courage, which at all times dis- Silver Cup of the value of 60%. The tinguishes the bravery of English Post-Masters General are deserving of seamen. Mr. Drummond and Mr. the highest praise for their early atGordon, pilots, deserve much praise, tention to the services of this young for the able manner in which they Officer, by appointing him to the conducted us among the rocks. The command of a Packet. Their conduct acting carpenter, Mr. Mason, has ren- cannot fail to make a great impression dered himself worthy of his appoint- upon the public mind We are happy ment, by his ability in stopping the to find the subscription is not closed, shot-holes. Not being able to keep at and we hope the country will feel the sea, from the nature of our leaks and necessity of bestowing further pecuwounded masts, I could not put into niary rewards on those brave men, as execution the remaining part of your it cannot fail to excite others to follow orders have in consequence judged their spirited example.